Rattlers Acquire FOGO Ortolani From Cannons

The Rochester Rattlers acquired M/FO John Ortolani from the Boston Cannons for their second round pick in the 2014 College Draft. Ortolani had a 53.3% face off winning percentage with the Boston Cannons, and he was a member of their 2011 MLL Championship team. Ortolani is a two sport athlete who is an up-and-coming MMA fighter.

“John has had some success with Boston as a backup to (Chris) Eck and deserves the opportunity to play every weekend in this league.” Rattlers coach Tim Soudan said. “He’s a guy we think has a chance to come in and help us on face offs during the 2013 season.”

Ortolani is a four-year MLL veteran who has spent his entire career with the Boston Cannons. Last season he went 22 for 36 (61.1%), and he has a 53.3% face off winning percentage for his career. Ortolani played in the MLL playoffs in 2010 and 2012. In two games he went 25 for 49 (51.0%) in the battle at the ‘X’.

Ortolani is also an up-and-coming MMA fighter who is a veteran of 13 professional fights. He has won six bouts as a lightweight and welterweight. Due to his dangerous ground game four of his six victories have come by way of knockout or TKO. He has always looked to take tough fights to help him improve as a fighter. As a result his first three career losses came at the hands of veteran MMA fighters who had a combined record of 36-16 at the time of their fights, including UFC veteran Dan Lauzon.

Ortolani graduated from Endicott College in 2008 where he finished second in the nation in face off winning percentage as a senior (261 out of 380 – 68.7%). He was also selected as an ECAC All-Star and as the MVP of the ECAC Tournament during his senior season. He was a three time All-New England selection and a two time All-Commonwealth Coast Conference selection at Endicott College.

The 2012 Rochester Rattlers were the most improved team in Major League Lacrosse, and they missed out on qualifying for the fourth and final playoff spot by only one game. The Rattlers went 169 for 381 (44.4%) from the ‘X’ last season, which was seventh in the league. Ortolani joins a crowded picture at face off specialist that included Craig Bunker (51 for 131), Tim Fallon (89 for 196) and Bobby Dattilo (28 for 53) during the 2012 season.